Before Brad Pitt learned that he had snagged a Best Actor nomination at this year's Academy Awards, the 48-year-old star was spotted out and about in Los Angeles on Monday afternoon.

Shortly after the noms were announced at 5:30am this morning, Pitt phoned in to The Today Show and told hosts Matt Lauer and Ann Curry, "We're ecstatic over here ... It means so much considering this film was just dead on the rocks two years ago. It took a lot of people, a lot of artisans and craftsmen, to get it to the screen. It's a great honor, a real tribute to Billy Beane and Oakland A's organization. I'm really happy."

Pitt also commented on Moneyball co-star Jonah Hill's Best Supporting Actor nod, telling the show, "I'm so happy for Jonah Hill. I can't tell you," he said. As for going up against longtime pal George Clooney , who was also nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Descendants, Pitt said, "It's more fun to have a friend there. No one does it better than George. Give him all the trophies. When you run out, make new ones and give him those, too." Aww!